Salem schools bus accident sends one to hospital

Salem Community School bus Number 21 was involved in an accident this morning with a van on Brannaman Road, just off Rush Creek Road in Salem at approx… 9:30a.

School was on a two-hour delay because of the recent snow and state of road conditions in Washington County.

Bruce Todd, 40, was driving a 1993 GMC safari, mini-van with passenger Stephanie Todd, 35, both of 5444 West Walnut Ridge Road, Salem, according to Indiana State Trooper Jerry Goodin.

Goodin said Bruce hit a patch of ice and slid head-on into the bus. Goodin said the bus going East and the mini-van going West. Stephanie Todd was taken by personal vehicle to the St. Vincent Salem Hospital for treatment. She had complained of leg pains but refused treatment from the EMS.

Peggie Tuttle, 70, from Salem, IN, was driving bus number 21.

Three students were on the bus at the time, as well as the bus driver, and there were no injuries involving those people.

Salem Schools Superintendent DL Reed said the bus driver saw the vehicle coming and had slowed to nearly a stop.

Reed said minimal grill and bumper damage occurred on the bus.

Washington County roads had been shut down early Wednesday morning and remained under a State of Emergency until 9:30a on Thursday because of hazardous conditions resulting in about 3-4 inches of snow and ice that fell on Tuesday afternoon.

The county is still under a travel advisory known as a “Watch”

Combs said he felt the roads were safe enough for travel today.

According to the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security, a Watch means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

Washington County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the accident and Indiana State Police are investigating.